Description
Delicious and festive Cherry Bourbon Balls combining finely chopped pecans, maraschino cherries, and a splash of bourbon, all coated in smooth semi-sweet chocolate for an indulgent treat perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Nut Mixture
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
Ball Mixture
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Coating
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
- 30 candied cherry halves
Instructions
- Soak Pecans: Combine the finely chopped pecans and bourbon in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to allow the bourbon to infuse into the nuts, enhancing the flavor.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: Place the softened butter into a large mixing bowl. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar using a hand-held electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Mix in Nuts and Cherries: Add the bourbon-soaked pecan mixture and finely chopped maraschino cherries to the bowl. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape Balls: Using your hands or a small spoon, shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls. Place them on a tray, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Melt Chocolate Coating: In a medium saucepan with a heavy bottom, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with the shortening or coconut oil over low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy chocolate coating.
- Coat Bourbon Balls: Using two forks or a toothpick, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, making sure it is completely coated. Place the coated balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add Cherry Decoration: Quickly press a candied cherry half on top of each chocolate-coated bourbon ball for an attractive finish.
- Set Chocolate: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated bourbon balls until the chocolate is fully set and firm before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, soak pecans overnight in bourbon.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to melt chocolate evenly without burning.
- The shortening or coconut oil in the chocolate helps create a smoother coating and prevents chocolate from hardening too brittle.
- Store bourbon balls covered in the refrigerator; they can last up to 2 weeks.
- Allow bourbon balls to come to room temperature before serving for best taste and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bourbon ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
